"Kachchathivu: Sacred Waters, Contested Seas" by Aparna Kishore

During the St. Antony’s feast, these tensions recede, although temporarily. Pilgrims line up at naval checkpoints before disembarking. Indian and Sri Lankan flags are visible. Security personnel maintain order. Yet once mass begins, divisions blur. Tamil hymns rise across the island. Fishermen exchange stories of lost nets and lost relatives. Families share meals under makeshift tents. Vows are offered for safe return from sea. For a brief window, Kachchathivu becomes a sacred commons, a spa...